Busan Bound

When Ryan and I left South Korea last spring, we weren’t completely closed off to the idea of returning there again.  We decided to discuss the idea once we were back home.  After a month of visiting family, friends, and our favorite local hangouts, we went back and forth about heading abroad for another year.  Could we leave everything again?  Were we prepared to go through another year without the familiarities and amenities of home? 

For awhile we were torn.  Part of us wanted to find a local place of our own.  A place with a dishwasher, an oven and a dryer!  We were excited to think we could rescue all of the wedding presents stored in my parents’ basement, and arrange them in a cute little condo or house somewhere.

But another part of us thought about the amazing experiences that we had last year.  The countries we traveled to, the adventures we had, and the opportunities still open to us.

After much communication with recruiters and a lot of bumps in the road, we both found jobs at a new school in Busan.  I have been hesitant to share the news here until things were finalized, which took much longer than we had anticipated.  (Did I mention there were bumps in the road?)  But it's all worked out now, and we are set to arrive back in Busan by THIS WEEKEND.  Today we finished packing up our little house on the river and are currently jamming our lives into four suitcases and two carry-ons.  Part of us is still in shock, but we are also extremely excited to begin another yearlong adventure together.  Stay tuned!

Local Tourists

When you live somewhere, you often forget to take advantage of the local sites and attractions that tourists flock to.  Having an out-of-town visitor creates the perfect excuse to see your home with new eyes.  Ryan's mom spent last week in Portland, giving us the chance to do just that.

Besides the Bridge Walk, the three of us shopped at the Nike Employee Store, checked out some food carts, and enjoyed the sun when it made sporadic appearances.

We also got together with some extended family for deep dish pizza, (a special request from the recent Birthday Girl), and enjoyed some homemade blackberry pie with my family for the milestone. Happy 5-0 Sarahmom!

On the days I worked, Ryan and his mom picked fresh blackberries, boated on the river with my grandpa, and explored Sellwood together.

We had a great time revisiting the city we love.

Bridge Walk

Providence hospital puts on its annual Bridge Pedal each August.  Participants are given the unusual option of riding the length of up to ten of Portland's bridges.  Associated with the ride is also the “stride,” for those who feel more comfortable on two legs.  Last weekend Ryan and I joined my parents and Ryan’s mom, here from Mexico, to take on the five-mile, two-bridge walk.  It was similar to the one Ryan and I did in Busan last year.

walking on 405-usually a packed freeway

first glimpse of the Fremont Bridge

the "Striders"

the Moms

refuel snack

Broadway Bridge

our old neighborhood

Border to Border

Last spring, two friends of Ryan's from Korea began a bike ride from San Francisco to Canada.  In May Ryan loaded up his new bike and joined the guys at the Oregon/California border, ready to work his way up to Washington. 

All ready!

The week he spent on the road was full of sunshine, rain, wildlife, camping, couch squatting, and eating just barely sustainable meals.  Ryan describes the adventure as an incredible, memorable, and exhausting experience.

The beginning

The riders

Oregon Coast

Dinner

Bandon Game Park

Staying with old friends along the way

Half-way there!

A stop in Eugene to see Alayna on her 13th birthday

She got Taylor Swift concert tickets!

Outside Salem

Willamette Falls

Ryan stopped to play tour guide for his friends once they reached Portland.  He completed the ride from Portland to Vancouver this past week, meaning he has now ridden the state of Oregon from border to border.

The end

Mission accomplished!